Melanie Emelio and John Kramar offer some of Alva Henderson's gems of the American song genre.

Born in California, composer Alva Henderson studied at San Francisco State University and the San Francisco Conservatory, where he concentrated on voice and composition. Henderson is known for his operas and vocal music, reflecting his interest in the potential of the human voice. His collected songs presented on this 2-CD set are gems of the American song genre. Sung by soprano Melanie Emelio, a versatile performer and noted pedagogue on the faculty at Pepperdine University and baritone John Kramar, who has performed in opera and concert productions around the country, these songs possess great color, style and sheer beauty.

Review:

“[Alva Henderson’s songs] are richly romantic, unabashedly melodic, and exquisitely in touch with their varied texts. … Here is another splendid addition to that growing body of American art song…” (American Record Guide)